Dietitian

A dietitian is a healthcare professional who specializes in diet and nutrition and provides medical nutrition therapy and nutrition-related counseling. In many countries, "dietitian" is a legally protected title requiring professional registration or licensure.

Dietitians assess nutritional needs, develop individualized diet plans, and monitor outcomes; they may work with patients with conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and malnutrition. They also provide nutrition education to individuals and groups and contribute to public health programs.

Education and credentialing vary by country. In the United States, becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) typically requires earning a bachelor's degree in dietetics or nutrition, completing an accredited supervised practice program, passing a national examination, and maintaining credentials through continuing education. In the United Kingdom and many other regions, dietitians register with a professional body (e.g., HCPC in the UK) and meet ongoing professional requirements.

Dietitians work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient settings, schools, long-term care facilities, public health organizations, and private practice. They may specialize in clinical nutrition, renal dietetics, pediatric nutrition, oncology, critical care, sports nutrition, or community nutrition.

As members of the healthcare team, dietitians collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other professionals to provide evidence-based care, document nutrition interventions, and engage in research and quality improvement. They adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards to ensure safe and effective practice.